After making two consecutive bowl games, it’s time for San Diego State to show that it can sustain success … especially after losing quarterback Ryan Lindley and running back Ronnie Hillman to the NFL. The Aztecs finished 8-5 in 2011, capping off the season with a heartbreaking 32-20 defeat to Louisiana-Lafayette in the New Orleans Bowl. A third trip to a bowl game would go a long way toward showing that this program is one with real staying power.

ON OFFENSE

Led by Lindley’s passing and Hillman’s running, the Aztecs sported a balanced offense that averaged about 427 yards per game last year – good for 32nd in the country. But that goes out the window in 2012 with a cast of new skill players.

Running backs Walter Kazee and Adam Muema will combine to try and generate the 1,711 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns Hillman provided last year, while Oregon State transfer Ryan Katz won the starting the job at quarterback, and will have a host of talented receivers to throw to.

With sophomore Colin Lockett on the Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list, USC transfer Brice Butler in the fold, and the blossoming Ezell Ruffin raring to go, the Aztecs are stacked at wideout this season. That’s not even including dynamic tight end Gavin Escobar, who coach Rocky Long touts as one of the best in the country. As Long said, somewhat tongue in cheek, on Tuesday, “Last year we were moving defensive backs to wide receiver. This year it seems like all we have is wide receivers. I’m guessing that’s a good problem that we have.”

The real problem lies with the offensive line, where SDSU is replacing three senior starters from 2011. Senior center Alec Johnson will anchor the line, with Nik Embernate holding fort at right guard. But the offense’s success might hinge on how well newly minted left tackle Bryce Quigley (a former tight end), right tackle Zach Dilley, and left guard Japheth Gordon gel as the season progresses.

ON DEFENSE

Don’t be fooled by the fact that SDSU has only five returning defensive starters. Sixteen players on the depth chart saw extensive game action last season. The secondary, in particular, is deep and experienced, with four returning starters led by senior cornerback Leon McFadden. The fifth spot won’t be filled by a rookie either. Senior Josh Wade worked his way into a starting cornerback spot by the end of the 2010 season… only to miss all of 2011 with an Achilles injury. Wade is back and raring to go. The secondary is now well versed with Long’s unique 3-3-5 defense and are eager to prove their mettle.

The Aztecs are similarly well equipped at linebacker, which Long has termed their strongest position on defense. Sophomore middle linebacker Jake Fely had a breakout 2011 season and finished fifth on the team with 58 total tackles. He’s flanked by junior outside linebackers Nick Tenhaeff and Vaness Harris. Tenhaeff played in every game last year and posted 47 tackles, sixth-best on the team.

But the question mark on defense is a replica of the question mark on offense. How well will the guys in the trenches hold up? SDSU’s defensive line is young and inexperienced.

Defensive end Jordan Thomas started eight games last season, but his counterpart Dontrell Onuoha and defensive tackle Sam Meredith are first-year starters looking to make their mark. Meredith, a sophomore, played in 12 games last year, and he’s the only returning letterwinner at the tackle position.

INTANGIBLES

It’s almost unfair to compare Katz to Ryan Lindley, who had three years to master the Aztecs’ offensive system. Still, if Katz can develop some consistency, and if the offensive line can hold up, the Aztecs have the potential to really flourish on offense this year. Another squad that needs to find consistency: the specialists. As of Tuesday, Long had yet to solidify a special teams depth chart. “Depending on the day, a different one has a good day, or a different one has a bad day,” he said. “We have to know by Friday, but it might take us till Friday to decide who’s going to punt or kick for us.”